The Motion and Design of Cars and Automobiles

When it comes to car parts, every little piece plays an important role. Even the simplest "work horse" on the road is a sophisticated machine representing decades of engineering know-how. It's been said that one of the most fundamental auto parts around, the internal combustion engine, blasts through the equivalent energy of 60,000 hamburgers in an hour of highway driving! Plus, it does it all in a way that propels a 4,000-pound machine under our direct control. Let's look at some of the coolest, most impressive cars out there, as well as a few other great automotive topics.

The Corvette

When people think of high-performing sports cars, the classic red Chevrolet Corvette is the one that comes to mind the most. Corvette was introduced in 1953, but it was initially a General Motors show car. It won so much popular interest that a version for the public came about in a few months. Renowned car designer Larry Shinoda took over for the second model, making it smaller and sleeker while retaining the fiberglass body panels of the original; his design helped launch the car into the public imagination, and it is now up to its seventh generation. Even the most basic car parts from early Corvettes can now be worth a great deal of money to collectors.

While many Americans might think of NASCAR when they think of racing, Formula 1 is the style of racing that captured the heart of Europe. Formula 1 emerged from the original European Grand Prix that ran through the 1920s and 1930s, leading to a standardized, international racing body that established specific rules for the engineering of these race cars. The "formula" allows these cars to race at more than 200 miles per hour with a maximum RPM of 15,000. When taking a corner, their acceleration can reach an incredible five units of g-force! Tires and suspension are critical to the operation of these cars during races, so the pit crews are among the best in the business. Only the very finest auto parts can ensure the sound performance of these vehicles, too. Their outstanding performance is showcased around Europe in Grand Prix races each year.

Perpetual motion is a concept that has fascinated people throughout the history of the world. In fact, people have been designing "perpetual motion machines" since long before modern engineering or scientific theory. One of the earliest of these was developed in 1150 AD in India. It was a wheel that had been weighted to be off balance so it would supposedly turn forever. In modern times, no less a physics genius than Nikola Tesla, now popularized as the "scientific rival" of Edison, believed the existence of "free energy" would allow for perpetual motion machines. Unfortunately, free energy has never been proven, and perpetual motion machines remain as elusive as cold fusion. Still, there's nothing wrong with imagining the possibilities!

Sadly, not all cars are up to the breath-taking standards of a Corvette or a Formula 1 racing car! As a motorist, you might find you've driven a car off the lot that simply doesn't work. No matter whether it's a brand new car or a used one, you're protected by "lemon laws." Lemon laws vary by state, but they specify some basic standards that all cars have to meet in order to be salable. Generally speaking, if the car you just bought drops dead within a few hours or a few days of purchase, you might be protected. It's especially important to be cautious of smaller used car lots in this kind of situation. Due to bad suspension, bad brakes, or many other issues, lemons are usually dangerous to drive. Be sure to consult the resources below to protect your rights.